MagSafe

A MagSafe battery case that cal also charge AirPods

An intriguing Apple patent application published yesterday shows a MagSafe battery case which can not only charge an iPhone, but also a pair of AirPods. It follows Apple repurposing the MagSafe branding for the wireless charging system introduced in the iPhone 12 lineup.

The folio case design included an embedded battery …

OtterBox announces new ‘Made for MagSafe’ iPhone 12 cases

Filipe Espósito Oct 16 2020 - 7:15 am PT

If you’re looking for cases to use with your iPhone 12, OtterBox has just announced its full lineup of accessories for this year’s iPhones, including MagSafe compatible cases. The company is offering several new case options for the iPhone 12 models, ranging from clear options to the more colorful ones with a pop socket.

Apple’s leather iPhone 12 cases coming in Nov, power adapter not included with MagSafe charger

Michael Potuck Oct 14 2020 - 10:56 am PT

iPhone 12 leather case arrival date and MagSafe details

Apple announced that its MagSafe tech is back with the iPhone 12 lineup but there have been some lingering questions about some of the planned accessories. Let’s take a look at the new iPhone 12 leather cases and tidbits about the new MagSafe products.

iPhone 12 supports 2x faster wireless charging, but only with MagSafe accessories

Michael Potuck Oct 13 2020 - 5:58 pm PT

An exciting feature for all four of the new iPhone 12 models is the MagSafe system that Apple is using for a range of accessories. Charging is a central part of the revived MagSafe and it brings a big boost to the wireless speeds at which you can power up the new iPhones.

Apple revives MagSafe brand with new iPhone 12 wireless chargers, cases, more

Chance Miller Oct 13 2020 - 10:39 am PT

Apple has officially announced its new wireless charging accessories for the iPhone 12. In an all-new line of MagSafe for iPhone accessories, there are cases, chargers, and more.

Third-party magnetic wireless charger for iPhone 12 seen ahead of launch

Ben Lovejoy Oct 13 2020 - 5:07 am PT

There’s been growing evidence that we’re going to see a magnetic wireless charger for the iPhone 12, this year’s phones incorporating a ring of magnets designed to automatically and securely position them on a compatible charger.

Apple is said to be releasing its own magnetic chargers, reportedly reviving the MagSafe branding to do so, and we’ve today got a look at an upcoming third-party version …

ThunderMag claims to bring MagSafe back to the Mac with full Thunderbolt 3 speeds

Chance Miller Feb 11 2019 - 1:05 pm PT

Alongside the move to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 on the MacBook, Apple ditched its iconic MagSafe charging connection. Products like the Griffin BreakSafe attempt to bring magnetic charging back to the Mac, but not without limitations. ThunderMag, however, is a new magnetic adapter with full Thunderbolt 3 support.

Kickstarter: Snapnator brings a low-profile MagSafe-like connection to all USB-C MacBook Pros

Greg Barbosa Nov 3 2016 - 10:05 am PT

Future owners of the 2016 MacBook Pro may be feeling the pain of Apple removing MagSafe from the notebooks, but a new project on Kickstarter is hoping to help ease that feeling. We’ve written about Griffin’s BreakSafe before, but customer’s hoping to use that same adapter on the new MacBook Pros may be disappointed over its limitations. The new MagSafe alternative on Kickstarter, Snapnator, not only brings MagSafe back to the MacBook Pros, but also to a slew of other devices thanks to the increasingly ubiquitous USB-C port.

Quick Review: You probably shouldn’t buy this awesome MacBook Pro MagSafe 2/ 5-port USB Charger

Seth Weintraub Oct 12 2016 - 9:07 am PT

After a lot of abuse, my MacBook Pro’s 85W MagSafe 2 adapter finally died last week. Often Apple adapters fray at joints and this one did to an insane degree but somehow it kept working for 3 years through tons of travel, work and even some fun.

My MagSafe needs to last another month. What’s the over/under? https://t.co/dZeV3ZHz1Z pic.twitter.com/EnKkmdX0d6

— Seth Weintraub (@llsethj) September 29, 2016

So what to do? Typically I’d buy a new Apple Magsafe 2 adapter. But clearly Apple has some redesigned MacBook/Pro/Airs coming later this month and they will likely be charged via USB-C, at least in some cases. So that means I only need MagSafe to power this 2013 MacBook Pro for at least a few more weeks before it gets relegated to backup machine, kid’s computer or sold off when I get Apple’s new OLED/USB-C creation.

So I thought I’d get a little creative and save a few bucks at the same time. As I was looking for options on Amazon, I came across an interesting product: The “BND 85W MagSafe 2 Replacement Power Adapter Charger w/ 5 USB Ports for Apple MacBook Pro”. For less than half the price of a discounted $77 Apple MagSafe Adapter this $37 charger includes 5 USB ports and gets solid 4.3/5 star reviews. What the heck, I’ll give it a try…
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MagSafe

Awesome Chinese video shows ‘Magsafe’ Lightning adapter for iPhone, similar to delayed Kickstarter

Ben Lovejoy Jul 6 2016 - 6:29 am PT

The Cabin Kickstarter version

While Apple may now be abandoning the much-loved MagSafe connection in favor of USB on MacBooks, that hasn’t stopped people wanting to bring the same convenience to both 12-inch MacBooks and iPhones. We saw a Kickstarter campaign two years ago (long delayed but apparently now shipping), there are others on eBay and Amazon – and now a Chinese site has shown a particularly cute video for its own version.

Review: Griffin’s BreakSafe is the magnetic USB-C connection the 12-inch MacBook needs

Chance Miller Apr 23 2016 - 5:20 pm PT

16 Comments

One of the most interesting accessories that came out of the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year was Griffin’s BreakSafe Magnetic USB-C Power Cable. As a 12-inch MacBook owner (and lover), one of the things I’ve missed the most with the machine is the MagSafe connection. Apple introduced the MagSafe technology 10 years ago, but thanks to the switch to a single USB-C connection, it is nowhere to be found on the ultra-slim MacBook.

That’s where Griffin’s BreakSafe comes in the. Retailing for $39.99, the BreakSafe is a six-foot-long magnetic USB-C cable. The BreakSafe brings the laptop-saving MagSafe technology that Apple users have to love to the 12-inch MacBook. And it does it surprisingly well, but it’s not perfect…

Apple invents ‘universal magnetic adapter’ to bring MagSafe to everything w/ a single port

Jordan Kahn Mar 31 2016 - 12:39 pm PT

12 Comments

Yesterday we detailed an Apple patent showing work on a stackable Smart Connector plug of sorts. Today we get a look at a similar invention aimed at making the I/O on future devices more versatile with Apple’s invention of a “Universal Magnetic Adapter” that could allow for more future-proof devices using only a single port. As pictured in the drawing accompanying the patent above, the technology allows for a single port that uses magnetic inserts as adapters for your various devices. Or in other words, MagSafe for everything using a single port and adapters for the various connectors.

In its patent, Apple describes the problem with the current mess of adapters and cables users have to deal:

Neat plug adapter turns Mac and iPad chargers into slimline units that fit behind your sofa

Ben Lovejoy Mar 11 2016 - 12:01 am PT

13 Comments

As Gizmodo observed, Apple puts a lot of thought into product design, but seems to forget everything it knows when it comes to power adapters (with one exception). The standard Mac adapter sticks out about half a mile from the wall, which can be a pain when the socket is behind a sofa. Ten One Design has a solution in the form of Blockhead.

Griffin’s BreakSafe is the MagSafe USB-C adapter that Apple’s MacBook needs

Chance Miller Jan 4 2016 - 8:31 am PT

8 Comments

One of the biggest complaints regarding the 12-inch MacBook has been the ports, or lack thereof, that the device offers. The MacBook features just as single USB-C port that you use for everything, including charging. This means that the MagSafe technology that Apple introduced 10 years ago and that we’ve all come to love is nowhere to be found. A new accessory introduced by Griffin today, however, aims to fix that problem.

Review: Zolt’s Laptop Charger Plus is a 3-in-1 MagSafe-ready Mac, iPad + iPhone power adapter

Jeremy Horwitz Nov 5 2015 - 12:06 pm PT

12 Comments

When Zolt announced the Laptop Charger Plus ($100) at CES this year, I was skeptical that the accessory — a practical, logical power solution — would actually make it to market. Zolt promised that it would work with any laptop, including Macs with MagSafe connectors, and at that point, zero third-party MagSafe accessories were available to purchase. But a week ago, a company called Beaver sent us Quarter, the first MagSafe-based battery pack and car charger. And now Zolt is sending out review samples of the finished Laptop Charger Plus, complete with both MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2 cables (the $20 “Optional MacBook Accessory Cable”), which will hit stores in less than two weeks. Are MagSafe accessories finally about to become a real thing?

The Laptop Charger Plus continues the concept Twelve South pioneered with the $35 PlugBug, leveraging a MacBook wall adapter to charge both your laptop and a USB-based device, such as an iPhone or iPad. But Zolt’s execution goes several steps further, as it fully replaces any 11″ or 13″ MacBook’s wall adapter with something smaller while adding two extra USB ports. Even if the price is a bit steep, the all-in-one functionality may justify the expenditure for travelers with limited bag space…

Beaver debuts Quarter battery, claiming 3-Amp fast recharging using MagSafe wall and car adapters

Jeremy Horwitz Oct 28 2015 - 7:49 am PT

13 Comments

Leveraging a connector that has previously been exclusive to Apple products, Chinese developer Beaver Electronics has announced the Quarter Super PowerBank ($59), a battery pack built with a MagSafe 2 port for recharging. Clad in Mac-matching silver aluminum, Quarter is designed to work with both Apple’s MacBook wall chargers and the Quarter Car Adapter ($16), a silver metallic and mirrored charger with a MagSafe connector. This Car Adapter is designed solely for Quarter, not for MacBooks.

The 5,000mAh battery claims 2.1-Amp output that’s safe for iPad, iPhone, and iPod use with a full-sized USB port, while itself recharging at up to 3-Amp speeds in only 45 minutes — up to 10X faster than typical batteries, Beaver says — or via a 1-Amp micro-USB input in 7 hours. Beaver notes that after only 15 minutes of MagSafe recharging, Quarter will have enough power to refuel an iPhone 5s. Rather than pressing a button to see how much battery power remains, you just shake the battery once, triggering four blue LED lights…
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First third-party Apple Watch magnetic charging cable arrives as accessory makers await official specs

Jordan Kahn May 4 2015 - 4:13 pm PT

7 Comments

Is this the first third-party Apple Watch charging cable? Apple hasn’t yet announced official plans for a third-party accessory program for Apple Watch, but that hasn’t stopped accessory makers from creating stands, charging docks, straps, and other accessories for the device. This charging cable from Ionic, a company that sells a lot of MFi certified cables and adapters through Amazon, might be the first advertising a third-party version of Apple’s own magnetic charging cable.
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Kickstarter campaign aims to introduce MagSafe-style audio connections (if it survives Apple’s lawyers …)

Ben Lovejoy Mar 24 2015 - 5:08 am PT

6 Comments

Apple has in the past not looked kindly on companies offering MagSafe adapters for their products, but with a magnetic connection for audio rather than power, and Apple starting to move from MagSafe to USB-C, perhaps a new Kickstarter campaign might make it.

Magzet is a two-part magnetic kit for 3.5mm audio connections. One half is designed to remain in the audio socket (and cleverly manages to avoid cutting sound to the speaker when there’s nothing connected to it), the other attaches to your headphone jack. Once in place, it breaks away cleanly like MagSafe if you walk away from the device while still wearing your headphones.

The prototype is clunky, and I wouldn’t personally want to leave the jack in permanently, but they are aiming to make it smaller, and it will definitely save some devices. You can reserve a Magzet kit by backing it from $20 plus shipping.

Mini-review: Oneadapter Twist/Plus World Charging Station (Video)

Ben Lovejoy Mar 19 2015 - 7:27 am PT

2 Comments

Standardizing on USB was arguably the best thing ever to happen to gadget lovers. Instead of having an unholy mess of chargers cluttering up your home, you just need a few USB cables and something to plug them into. I’ve previously reviewed the Lightning Rabbit Triforce and Truffol Station 5 USB chargers, which offer stylish options for the home or office. We’ve also reviewed a bunch of others.

When travelling, though, I pack light. I tend to just charge everything from my MacBook Pro, which is convenient but doesn’t offer the fastest of charging speeds. The Oneadapter Twist and Twist Plus World Charging Stations are designed to overcome that issue, offering a combined USB charger and international plug adapter …
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Opinion: Are we bidding farewell to MagSafe, and does it matter?

Ben Lovejoy Mar 12 2015 - 6:56 am PT

102 Comments

When Apple unveiled the new 12-inch MacBook with just a single port (plus a headphone socket), it was doing not just one radical thing, but two. Reducing a machine to just one port was the first; dropping MagSafe was the second.

MagSafe has been one of the key features of MacBooks since it was first introduced by Apple in 2006. It is still highlighted on Apple’s website as one of the key design features of both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

MacBook Air offers innovations you won’t find anywhere else — like the MagSafe 2 power connector, which breaks cleanly away from the notebook if you accidentally trip over the power cord.

The magnetic power cord attaches securely and detaches cleanly.

It’s one of the features that even the most die-hard opponents of Macs tend to grudgingly admit is a good idea. And yet that (very) shiny new MacBook aimed at the largest slice of the MacBook Air market doesn’t have it. Is this a one-off move for a single model, or will we see USB C power replacing MagSafe across the entire MacBook range … ?
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Twelve South’s latest HiRise dock accommodates Apple Watch

Trevor Daugherty Mar 11 2015 - 9:28 am PT

17 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

As the noise begins to die down from Monday’s Apple Watch announcement, we’re seeing a number of accessory makers reveal solutions for charging and storing the timepiece. Twelve South has announced its latest HiRise iteration, designed specifically for docking Apple Watch.

Much like previous models from Twelve South, the HiRise for Apple Watch elevates the device to a level that makes all buttons accessible for easier manipulation. It has a built-in cord management solution to keep the MagSafe charger in place, snaking through the aluminum base while keeping it out of sight.

The HiRise for Apple Watch uses both the magnetic pull of the MagSafe charger and a small cutout to hold the device in place. Additionally, that same magnet will also keep your watch still even when a band is not present. It has silicone accents throughout the dock, which are designed to offer scratch protection. It also has a non-slip rubber base for keeping the HiRise in place while interacting with the device. This dock is slated to ship in two colors: silver and black.

At $49.99, the Twelve South’s HiRise for Apple Watch offers a docking solution that falls in line with the pricing we’d expect for this type of solution. Availability has yet to be released, but interested consumers can sign up for an alert via the HiRise product page for when it comes to market.

USB-C cable gallery, compare to Lightning and Micro-USB, specs and Apple’s future

Seth Weintraub Mar 10 2015 - 9:47 am PT

69 Comments

Lightning vs. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aukey-Hi-speed-Reversible-Connector-Supported/dp/B00RGNJXD4/ref=sr_1_1?amp;amp;qid=1421386415&amp;sr=8-1&tag=thepartim-20&ie=UTF8&amp;peasin=B00RGNJXD4&amp;keywords=B00RGNJXD4&amp;pebp=1421386732649">USB-C cable from Aukey</a>

We’ve been poring over Apple’s change to the 8.4mm by 2.6mm USB Type C standard since we got tipped the design of the new MacBook late last year. It is a big change for Apple and puts the future of longstanding technologies like Thunderbolt and MagSafe into questionable status. Even Lightning seems a whole lot more vulnerable when an adapter that is marginally bigger, but has the whole industry behind it, shows up in Apple’s future flagship laptop.

Some quick, fun facts on USB Type C that make it pretty amazing:
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Griffin introduces an all-in-one charging solution for Apple Watch and iPhone

Trevor Daugherty Mar 9 2015 - 3:58 pm PT

6 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

Following Apple’s latest product announcement today, we are beginning to see companies release charging and storage solutions for the Apple Watch. Popular accessory maker Griffin Technology has revealed its WatchStand, which provides an angled charging platform for the watch and a base for displaying an iPhone. This is the first combination Watch and iPhone accessory that we’ve seen, although it’s unlikely to be the last.

http://youtu.be/CUg6BGgpS_4

The WatchStand from Griffin provides a pedestal that encases the MagSafe charger for the Apple Watch. The arm extends to an angled cradle allowing for the device to rest in a horizontal orientation above a nightstand or coffee table at an easily viewed location. The MagSafe connector itself lays in a recessed location at the top, with the cable snaking down through the arm hiding it until the base.

Beneath the arm, you’ll find an angled platform with a lip at the edge to rest an iPhone. The back of the device rests on the arm, keeping it upright for viewing while it rests. Unlike the DODOcase charging stand that we have previously seen, this option from Griffin answers two storage needs for devices that users commonly keep close at night.

Griffin is planning to release the WatchStand this Summer at a price of $29.99. Until then, we are certain that more accessories and charging solutions will be released soon.

Griffin Introduces WatchStand, Elegant Charging & Display Dock for Apple Watch

Nashville, Tenn. – March 9, 2015 – Griffin Technology, creator of award-winning and thoughtfully designed mobile accessories, announces the Griffin WatchStand, the first accessory in their new line of products for Apple Watch. This simple yet elegant charging and display dock provides a safe, secure place to charge Apple Watch when it’s not being worn.

“The introduction of the Apple Watch ushers in what is bound to be the next generation of wearable technology,” said Mark Rowan, President of Griffin Technology. “Griffin has long been at the forefront of developing solutions for Apple’s newest devices and we’re continuing that legacy with our WatchStand charging dock for Apple Watch.”

WatchStand displays Apple Watch on a sleek pedestal, and can be placed on any nightstand, tabletop or desktop for convenient daily charging. WatchStand houses the Apple-provided MagSafe charging cable in an angled cradle that keeps it ready to charge at all times. For initial assembly, the user simply feeds the MagSafe cable through the center of the post, and then, to charge each day, lays the Apple Watch against the cradle. The MagSafe connector’s magnet gently snaps itself onto the back of the watch and begins charging.

The versatile WatchStand is compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch and holds it at an easy viewing angle as it charges. Accommodating both semi-flexible and fully flexible bands, WatchStand securely displays and charges Apple Watch vertically or horizontally for the perfect view.

Since Apple Watch and iPhone go hand in hand, WatchStand’s weighted base has a home for a phone as well. The raised lip on the front of the dock holds the phone at the perfect angle for easy viewing. WatchStand also solves cable management problems, with a grooved post for extra cord length to wrap neatly around, keeping tabletops uncluttered, and the charge cable from becoming crimped or tangled.

Griffin’s WatchStand will be available Summer 2015 for $29.99 from store.griffintechnology.com/watchstand. To see Griffin’s new charging dock for Apple Watch in action visit: http://youtu.be/CUg6BGgpS_4

About Griffin Technology

Founded on Paul Griffin’s kitchen table in 1992, Griffin Technology Inc., is today one of the world’s foremost creators of accessories for home, mobile, and personal technology. Unique products such as iTrip®, PowerMate®, iFM®, iMic® and Evolve® Wireless Speaker System have broken new ground in consumer electronics and created loyal fans the world over. Today, Griffin products are conceived, designed and developed in-house and continue to push the envelope of the industry they helped create. Learn more about Griffin’s entire range of ingenious designs at www.griffintechnology.com, www.facebook.com/griffintech and on Twitter @griffintech.

Gallery: 3D mockups based on our 12-inch MacBook Air reporting

Mark Gurman Jan 8 2015 - 8:48 am PT

50 Comments

Earlier this week, we published an extensive report detailing the upcoming 12-inch MacBook Air with a thinner design, tweaked keyboard, enhanced trackpad, and an improved speaker system. Now, based on our report, designer Martin Hajek has put together some 3D image models of the upcoming computer. Check out the full gallery (click images for larger) below, and don’t miss our initial report with Michael Steeber‘s original mockup work.